Links Group Trustee, Associate Professor Social Work, Director of Education with the International Association of Veterinary Social Work Rebecca has 30 years of experience in Social Work, with a background in front line practice, consultancy and education and training in Australia and the UK. She is currently an Associate Professor in Social Work at the University of Sussex, Brighton, UK. Her teaching and research focus is on the human animal bond, pet loss, ‘The Link’ between the abuse of people and animals, and human and animal safeguarding. She is developing new interdisciplinary partnerships across social work, veterinary, and animal welfare practices to promote knowledge exchange, curriculum development, and educational and training opportunities. She is the Co Director of Education with the International Association of Veterinary Social Work and is a PhD candidate exploring interdisciplinary approaches to psychosocial support for veterinary teams and clients, aiming to bridge the gap between human services and veterinary practice in the UK.